Danish Heart Christmas Decoration Crochet (Julehjerte)

Traditional Danish heart Christmas decorations make for a perfect Scandi addition to your Christmas Tree. Known in Denmark as a "Julehjerte", these woven heart baskets are often hung from Christmas trees and filled with candy. I have seen many Danish heart Christmas decorations made out of felt and paper, so I decided to create a crochet version. After searching online, I found one tutorial in English written by Allison Baker. As I am a crochet novice, I personally struggled to get to grips with this pattern without a visual tutorial, so I decided to create one myself!

I have adapted some of the steps from Allisons tutorial and have tried to simplify her instructions, but if there's anything you need help with please don't hesitate to ask in the comments below.

Here are a couple of websites that helped me to read crochet patterns, count stitches and single crochet.

Stitch abbreviations I will be using -

Ch : Chain

Sl St : Slip Stitch

Sc : Single Crochet

- x : Number of stitches between each marker (including the stitch the last marker is in)

Also, when the step says for e.g "(2 sc in next sc. Sc in next sc) 3 times", this means you need to put 2 sc into the same stitch then a normal sc in the following stitch. You'll then want to repeat this 2 more times.

Suggested Yarn and Crochet Hook Size - I used worsted weight yarn and a 3.00mm crochet hook as they were only $0.99 CAD/£0.60 GBP each from the craft store. However, you can simply adjust hook size to get a smaller or larger heart pattern.

1. Chain 30.
2. Add your first marker to the ch next to the hook, skip this ch and sc 27.
3. 3 sc in the next ch. - You should have a total of 30 sc.
4. Crocheting along the opposite side of the foundation ch, sc in the next 27 ch. (Add a second marker into your first sc).
5. Remove the first marker and add 3 sc into that stitch. - 30 sc.
6. Sc in the next 27 ch. (Put the marker in your first sc).
7. 2 sc in the next 3 sc. - 33 sc.
8. Repeat steps 6-7.
9. Adding a marker in your first sc, sc 27.
10. Sc in your next ch and add your marker.
11. Ch 25. (Make sure you don't twist your chain).
12. Skip 25 sc on your pattern and sc your ch in the 26th sc. (7th sc from marker).
13. (Add 2 sc in the next sc. Sc in the next sc.) Repeat 3 times. - 36 sc.
14. Repeat steps 10-13.
15. Adding a marker in your first sc, sc 27.
16. There should now be 9 stitches left before your marker.
17. (Sc in the next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc) 3 times. - 39 sc.
18. Repeat steps 20-22.
19. Adding a marker in your first sc, sc 27.
20. There should now be 12 stitches left before your marker.
21. (2 sc in next sc, sc in the next 3 sc) 3 times. - 42 sc.
22. Repeat steps 24-26.
23. Adding a marker in your first sc, sc 27.
24. There should now be 15 stitches left before your marker.
25. (Sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in the next sc, sc in next 2 sc) 3 times. - 45 sc.
26. Repeat steps 28-30.
27. Adding a marker in your first sc, sc 27.
28. There should now be 18 stitches left before your marker.
29. (Sc in next 5 sc, 2 sc in the next sc) 3 times. - 48 sc.
30. Repeat steps 32-34.
31. Sl st. Cut yarn and knot.
32. Repeat steps 1-31 in a different yarn colour.
33. For your handle you want to complete steps 1-5, sl st, cut yarn and knot. Attach strap with a large head needle and yarn.